REGULAR DIETThe regular diet composed of all types offoods, is well balanced and capable of main-taining a state of good nutrition. It is intendedfor convalescing patients who do not require atherapeutic diet.MODIFIED OR THERAPEUTIC DIETSThese diets are modifications of the regulardiet designed to meet specific patient needs. Theseinclude:SoftMethod of preparation (boiling or broiling)Consistency (ground or chopped)Total calories (high or low calorie diets)Nutrients (altering carbohydrate, protein,fat, vitamins, minerals)Allowing only specific foods (diabetic diet)This diet is soft in texture and consists ofliquids and semisolid foods. It is indicated incertain postoperative cases, for convalescentswho cannot tolerate a regular diet, in acuteillnesses, and in some gastrointestinal disorders.It is an intermediate step between the liquid andregular diets. It is low in connective tissue andindigestible dietary fiber. Little or no condimentsare used in its preparation.Soft diets include all liquids in addition to well-cooked cereals, pastas, white bread and crackers,eggs, cottage cheese, tender meat, fish, poultry,and vegetables, including baked, mashed, orscalloped potatoes. Foods not allowed includefried foods, raw vegetables, and nuts. Dessertspermitted are custards, gelatin puddings, softfruits, and simple cakes and cookies. Vegetablescan be pureed and meats ground for dentalpatients.LiquidThis diet consists of foods that are in a liquidstate at body temperature. It is indicated in somepostoperative cases, in acute illnesses, and ininflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal(GI) tract. It is important that feedings con-sisting of 6 to 8 ounces or more be given every2 to 3 hours while the patient is awake. Thesediets are usually ordered as clear, full, or dentalliquid. A clear liquid diet includes clear broths,black tea or coffee, plain gelatin, and clear fruitjuices (apple, grape, and cranberry), popsicles,fruit drinks, and soft drinks. This diet is in-adequate in all nutrients. A full liquid diet includesall the liquids served in a clear liquid diet, withthe addition of strained soups and broths, milkand milk drinks, ice cream, sherbet, puddings,and custard. The all liquid diet is inadequate iniron, niacin, and possibly Vitamin A and thiamin.A dental liquid diet includes foods slenderized andstrained in liquid form and all foods allowed onclear and full liquid diets. Vitamin and mineralsupplements may be necessary with the dentalliquid diet if the recommended amounts of foodare not tolerated.High CalorieThis diet is of a higher caloric value than theaverage patient normally requires. An increase intotal calories is needed by patients who aremalnourished, underweight, postsurgical, or con-valescing from acute illnesses such as infections,burns, and fevers. The increase in calories isobtained by supplementing or modifying theregular diet with high calorie foods or com-mercial supplements, giving larger portions, oradding snacks. It is given to meet a need forenergy caused by the more rapid metabolism thataccompanies certain diseases, especially fever,hyperthyroidism, poliomyelitis, and tuberculosis.In the liquid or soft diet, the caloric value isincreased by adding fats and carbohydrates.Proteins are added to prevent depletion ofproteins in the plasma (hypoproteinemia). As thepatient progresses, a more solid diet is given.Good sources of high calorie foods are wholemilk, cream, sweets, butter, margarine, friedfoods, gravies, sauces, and ice cream. Between-meal feedings consisting of milk, milkshakes,cheese, cookies, or sandwiches are recommended,but they should not interfere with the patientsappetite at mealtime.High ProteinAs previously stated, protein is essential fortissue growth and regeneration. The high proteindiet is indicated in almost all illnesses; forexample, nephrosis, cirrhosis of the liver, in-fectious hepatitis, burns, radiation injury,fractures, some GI disorders, other conditionsin which the protein blood level is low, and inpreoperative and postoperative cases.In some acute illnesses and disorders, suchas infectious hepatitis, GI disorders, and post-operative conditions, patients may be unable3-6